By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Commission will hear their first budget presentations for the 2023 fiscal year when they meet on Tuesday.
Presentations will be made from the Extension Service, Reno County Drug Court, 4-H and from Economic Development. County Administrator Randy Partington says it might be a little early to say where the county numbers are right now, but so far it looks good.
“It’s a little difficult right now because of inflation and the costs of products,” Partington said. “I know there are some outside agencies that are going to be asking for an increase in funds because of that.”
Partington says that good carryover balances from the previous year and strong valuations for property in the county will help with next year's numbers although those final numbers won't be known for a while.
"Valuations are likely going up, cash balances for the county are higher than the previous year. We’re in good shape right now," Partington said. “Until we see all of the requests from the departments and outside agencies come in, and kind of prioritize those requests, it’s hard to guess where we’re going to be, but I think we’re in a pretty good position.”
One area that is unknown for the budget is where the price of petroleum will be. High oil prices affect asphalt and work material costs, as well as costs for fuel.
“It’s just guessing. Do we budget for $4 a gallon for the future, not knowing what’s going to happen in the next few months or the next year?” Partington said. “Or do we budget back to two and a half or three dollars and have things get better?"
Partington says those numbers will be on the high side just to be sure. Another area where the budget will be increased is in wages and benefits after the county commission approved general pay raises.
“There’s going to be less cash carryover in the general fund to cover that added cost," Partington said. "Again, with revenues coming in higher, with last year's sales tax especially, we’re still in good shape to be able to afford the pay raises the county commission approved this year.”
Partington says that insurance costs should be held in check again this year and he did not foresee any major increases in the budget there.
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